A Survey of Applicants to Integrated Plastic Surgery Residencies and Factors Associated With a Successful Match

In this large, multicycle cohort, program-specific engagement, especially away rotations and formal signals, was a far stronger predictor of both interview invitations and match success than USMLE scores or publication counts. These findings offer actionable strategies for applicants navigating the pass/fail Step 1 era and underscore the responsibility of residency programs to ensure equitable access to meaningful engagement opportunities.